The production of bioenergy from plant biomass has the potential to reduce fossil fuel use. The number of biogas facilities around the world has risen dramatically, increasing demand for feedstocks. In this study the invasive perennial grass Phragmites australis was evaluated as a biogas feedstock in comparison with Miscanthus x giganteus and Panicum virgatum. Results from three field sites for each species demonstrated that biomass yields for P. australis averaged approximately 1.82 ± 0.9 kg dry matter (DM) m −2 , comparable to that of M. x giganteus. Yield of P. australis was greater than P. virgatum, which ranged from 0.49 ± 0.06 to 0.69 ± 0.07 kg DM m −2 in July and October, respectively. In mesophilic bench-top digester experiments, methane yields were greater for July-harvested material than for October, ranging from 172.4 ± 15.3 to 229.8 ± 15.2 L CH 4 kg −1 volatile solids (VS) for all perennial grasses. Methane yields per hectare were highest for October-harvested M. x giganteus, followed by July-harvested M. x giganteus and P. australis, whereas methane yield from P. virgatum at both harvest times was lower than the other two species. These results suggest that P. australis is not an economically viable biogas feedstock without pre-treatment to improve methane yield.Although dozens of grass species have been screened for suitability in different climates around the world, three perennial grasses have been the focus of research in North America: Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) [5,6], Miscanthus spp. (miscanthus) [7] and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass) [8]. However, other perennial grass species merit consideration as feedstocks for anaerobic digestion in North America as well.Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex. Steud. (common reed) is an invasive perennial grass species in North America which is frequently found in the Great Lakes region, including more than 24,600 hectares of monocultural stands mapped along the American side of the Lakes alone [9]. This species has traditionally been harvested for use in thatched roofs and biomaterials in Eastern Europe and Africa, having an estimated market value of approximately $US45,000 ha −1 in Botswana [10]. In North America, P. australis is not utilized as a commodity, and it is the focus of control and eradication efforts, due to its negative ecological impact, particularly in wetlands. Current eradication strategies in Ontario often consist of (1) glyphosate application, followed by (2) mechanically rolling dead biomass, and (3) culminating with prescribed burning. While effective, this strategy is expensive, time consuming, and not applicable to stands occurring in standing water. Harvesting P. australis biomass for use as a feedstock in anaerobic digestion could potentially assist with eradication efforts by providing a monetary incentive for biomass removal. Further, removal of nutrients (e.g., N, P, K) contained in P. australis biomass from wetland areas experiencing eutrophication pressure from excessive nutrient runoff would be beneficial for eco...
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of inorganic additives during the humification of poultry waste and rice husk. Methods Poultry waste mixture was treated with aluminum sulfate 3% and rock phosphate 2% during co-composting of mixture in mechanical composter and evaluated the potential of humification and compost nitrogen mineralization in incubation and pot study. Results The mesophilic to thermophilic phase of composting mixture is prolonged due to the rise in temperature, pH and ammonia that steadily decrease near the maturation phase. The humification rate (HR), humification index (HI), degree of polymerization (DP) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased in enriched compost as compared to unenriched with the composting process. The germination index (GI) of enriched compost (C/N:10.8) was significantly greater than unenriched compost (C/N:23.43). These all maturity indices, i.e., C/N, CE, HI, DP, HR revealed the significant correlation with each other. In the incubation study, nitrogen mineralization was also evaluated and nitrogen was applied at the rate of 50 kg-N/ha using the enriched and unenriched compost and found high mineralization in enriched compost due to low C/N. A laboratoryscale pot experiment was also conducted, applied the compost at a rate of 100 kg-N/ha and recorded the encouraging results in growth and nutrition value of Abelmoschus esculentus plant. Conclusion It was concluded that use of additives have a significant impact on humification of poultry waste.
This research explored the possible application of pressurised carbon dioxide (P CO(2)), a promising non-thermal sterilisation technique, for the treatment of sewage sludge (SS) before anaerobic digestion to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms. Escherichia coli was selected as the test organism and was isolated from SS and maintained in pure culture. The growth curve of the isolated strain was determined by measuring the optical density (OD) in liquid culture medium and relating this information to the spread plate count so that a culture of known cell density could be grown for optimisation experiments. Inactivation of E. coli was enhanced by increase in pressure (1,500, 2,000 and 2,800 kPa) and treatment time (from 0.75 to 24 h). A short exposure time at high pressure was sufficient to provide a degree of inactivation which could also be achieved by longer exposure at lower pressure. Complete inactivation (8 log(10) reduction) was possible at all three pressures. scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy studies of E. coli treated with P CO(2) revealed that the cell walls were ruptured, and the cytoplasm was unevenly distributed and had lost its density, indicating the possible leakage of intracellular substances.
In this study we screened Moringa oleifera for bioactive secondary metabolites and biological activity. Secondary metabolites were detected by phytochemical tests, and biological activity was confirmed through anti-oxidant assays. Phytochemicals (phenolics and flavonoids) was done by using methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts. Phytochemical analysis of Moringa oleifera extracts was performed in terms of TPCs and TFCs, revealed that aqueous ethanolic extract offered highest TPCs (46.5 mg GAE/g DW) and TFCs (79.2 mg CE/g DW). Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity and measure of reducing power. Results revealed that aqueous ethanolic extract showed highest radical scavenging activity and also exhibited maximum reducing potential. Reults indicates that M. oleifera have potential antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-malarial, and anti-rheumatic activities. Antioxidant activity of leaves extract of Moringa oleifera was evaluated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picry l-hydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power. These data support Moringa oleifera as having enough potential to be used safely as a potent antioxidant.
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